Skype and i-mate have announced the first wireless mobile handsets preloaded with Skype software. The i-mate PDA2K (pictured, read our review) and i-mate PDA2 handsets will be released with Skype's software preloaded, enabling i-mate owners to use Skype immediately on start-up of their device. Both handsets are dual mode GSM/GPRS handsets equipped with wireless LAN (Wi-fi). Skype software will also be installed on new i-mate JAMs. All these i-mate models are based on the Windows Mobile Pocket PC Phone Edition platform.

i-mate will host a press and industry briefing on its agreement with Skype at a function aboard i-mate's corporate yacht in Cannes on the evening of 14 February 2005 during the 3GSM World Congress.

The VoIP market is growing rapidly, as individuals and enterprises demand new communication options at reduced prices. i-mate handset owners now have the ability to make voice calls over the Internet through Wireless LAN for a fraction of the cost of a traditional phone call.

i-mate's global headquarters are in Dubai, with offices in Australia, and a recent expansion into the UK and Italy, and with plans underway for the US i-mate launch.